Toms River Regional School District Introduction to the Referendum and ESIP
Toms River Regional Schools Our mission is to create a safe and positive learning environment where children can develop the confidence and capabilities to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world...
Toms River Regional Schools 2013: Hazard, Young, and Attiya Surveys Community Needs Challenges, issues, and priorities for the future cited: Need for building renovations Mechanical systems failing Buildings need much maintenance and repairs Lack of labs Inequity among [conditions of] schools Facilities investments needed Crumbling interior and exterior infrastructure
Toms River Regional Schools 2016 Comprehensive Facilities Assessment Identifies Critical Issues...and over $160 million in priority facilities projects across the district.
How Schools Can Fund Major Capital Projects ESIPs Referendums
What is an ESIP? In 2009, the NJ legislature approved Energy Savings Improvement Plans, or ESIPs, to help government agencies make energy related improvements to their facilities and pay for the costs using the resulting energy savings. On September 21, 2012, Governor Christie signed Public Law 2012, Chapter 55, which further defined the ESIP process. Source: http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/dlgs/lfns/09/2009-11.doc
What s in the Toms River Regional Schools ESIP? Lighting (fluorescent and incandescent to LED) New boilers New chillers Retrocommissioning at all school sites (ongoing identification of operational improvements) Energy management infrastructure implementation and expansion Unit ventilator replacements Combined heat & power (Items specific to locations.)
Toms River Regional Schools ESIP Financing
How Can Non-ESIP Capital Projects Be Funded? District annual budget (including capital reserve) Not intended for large capital projects State Regular Operating District (ROD) grants Currently not available Voter approved referendum To fund priority capital projects in a full and timely manner
What is a Referendum? A referendum is a public question that must be approved by the registered voters. A bond referendum is how schools raise funds for significant capital expenses (not operating expenses) such as building renovations or new construction. Bonds are issued to pay for these costs, and the bonds are paid back with interest over time, typically 15 to 25 years.
What is the cost to the taxpayer of a referendum? Tax impact can be estimated once the plan and projects are finalized. Bonds issued through referendum are paid through debt service funding, which is a component of the school tax on your tax bill State debt service aid is available for up to 40% of the referendum amount, which reduces the debt service fund obligation The State reviews and approves projects before the public question is voted on; at that point, we will have a better estimate of the overall project costs Before the referendum vote, we will have a live tax calculator that will show the tax impact for a specific assessment in each town in our regional district. Note: In 2025-26, debt service tax levy will be reduced annually by $4.7 million as bonds retire
What s included in the Referendum? Projects (not limited to): Rooftop AC units Classroom ventilation Safety and security Paving Windows and doors Plumbing Lab modernization Elementary playgrounds
What s in the plan for your school? (see each school s webpage)
What s in the plan for Silver Bay Elementary? Classroom floors Windows and doors Paving Curbs, sidewalks, steps Floor replacement/remediation HVAC renovation Exterior walls (coping) Safety & security upgrades Plumbing Property drainage ADA compliance Playground improvements
Referendum and ESIP Timeline and Process y nit u mm y Co urve S 2013 OE B n blic gs o an u P etin Pl Me ilities c Fa 2015-2017 ard ESIP o t B s e men v m pro op ap evel endu d r & refe of Nov 2017 y lan nit P u l d n ina itte mm atio o F E C orm gs bm su JDO Inf eetin N to M Feb-Mar 2018 April 2018 IP ES rk Wo ins g be Summer 2018 m du n e fer ote e R V Oct 2, 2018 Summer 2019 Referendum Work to Begin 2016 2017 ted s c e i a t t tr cili en on an to s Fa ssm C l e r se aft P rioriti se s a A M Dr s P to res d Ad July 2018 er old n h la ke Sta put, p ns in visio re E DO ndum d n ere l a ref rova ns o p ap evisi r Fall 2018 blic Pu tings e Me Subject to change
Informational Meeting Schedule Community Meetings Taking Place at Each School F E B R U A R Y Tuesday, February 6, 6:30-7:30 Silver Bay Elementary Tuesday, February 6, 8-9:00 High School North Thursday, February 8, 6:30-7:30 West Dover Elementary Thursday, February 8, 8-9:00 High School South Tuesday, February 13, 6:30-7:30 Pine Beach Elementary Tuesday, February 13, 8-9:00 High School East Tuesday, February 27, 5-6 PM ELC, 1144 Hooper Ave Tuesday, February 27, 6:30-7:30 Hooper Avenue Elementary Tuesday, February 27, 8-9:00 Intermediate East
Informational Meeting Schedule M A R C H Thursday, March 1, 6:30-7:30 South Toms River Elementary Thursday, March 1, 8-9:00 Intermediate South Tuesday, March 6, 6:30-7:30 North Dover Elementary Tuesday, March 6, 8-9:00 Intermediate North Tuesday, March 13, 6:30-7:30 Beachwood Elementary Tuesday, March 13, 8-9:00 Washington Street Elementary Thursday, March 22, 6:30-7:30 Joseph Citta Elementary Thursday, March 22, 8-9:00 Walnut Street Elementary Tuesday, March 27, 6:30-7:30 Cedar Grove Elementary Tuesday, March 27, 8-9:00 East Dover Elementary
For More Information, go to our webpage at: www.trschools.com/community/referendum More Questions or Comments? Email us at: referendum@trschools.com